Clotting Factors List – Names, Numbers and Actions (Functions)

What are clotting factors?

The clotting factors are the group of chemicals that are constant circulation in the blood or present in tissues of the blood vessels. These compounds are responsible for the formation of a blood clot. Clotting factors are usually inactive but once there is tissue injury to the wall of the blood vessel, the first factor is activated. This has a cyclical effect with each factor activating the next. The ultimate aim is for these clotting factors to eventually convert the necessary components that will form a blood clot.

Functions of Clotting Factors

Hemostasis is the body’s mechanism to stop blood loss. It is made up of several mechanisms with the coagulation phase involving the clotting factors and the formation of a blood clot. The series of reactions whereby one clotting factor activates the next is known as the coagulation cascade. The clotting factors eventually convert fibrinogen to fibrin which then forms a mesh network at the site of injury. This traps blood cells and other components to form a firm blood clot and thereby completely stop blood loss. Therefore the function of clotting factors are to trigger the formation of a blood clot and stabilize it for as long as necessary. Clotting factors are therefore known as procoagulants.

List of Clotting Factors

Factor I

Name : FibrinogenSource : LiverPathway : Both extrinsic and intrinsicActivator : ThrombinActions : When fibrinogen is converted into fibrin by thrombin, it forms long strands that compose the mesh network for clot formation.

Factor II

Name : ProthrombinSource : LiverPathway : Both extrinsic and intrinsicActivator : Prothrombin activatorActions : Prothrombin is converted into thrombin which then activated fibrinogen into fibrin.

Factor IV

Name : CalciumSource : Bone and absorption from food in gastrointestinal tractPathway : Both extrinsic and intrinsicAction : Works with many clotting factors for activation of the other clotting factors. These are called calcium-dependent steps.

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